When Kamal chose Vidya Balan to play the lead in Aami , a biopic on writer Madhavikutty, the mantle fell upon actor-anchor-model Sreedhanya to give Vidya lessons in Malayalam diction and language. Although Vidya left the project, Sreedhanya is elated that the opportunity came her way. What came handy was the acclaim she has had received as a television anchor. A natural in front of the camera, she has proved time and again that she is not just a pretty face. Sreedhanya is now all set to anchor ‘Selfie’, a talk show on Kairali TV. Speaking from Mumbai, where she is based, Sreedhanya talks about her tryst with television. Excerpts:
Why did you take a long interval from television?
My last show was ‘Grihathuram’, aired on Asianet News. It won me the Kerala State Television Award (2012) for the best compere/anchor. The show was a journey to our past, exploring places and people integral to our history. Unfortunately the programme was taken off air after a few episodes and many stories that we shot haven’t been aired yet. After the show I did get many other offers but none of them enthused me. Later I moved to Mumbai after my husband’s work took him there. I was waiting for a good project when ‘Selfie’ came my way.
How did you land in television?
It just happened. After my post graduation in social work, I used to work in an NGO in Kochi. It was then that I participated in a talk show on Jeevan TV after which I got my first show as an anchor, ‘Samantharam’ on Amrita TV. After that I went on a break. I faced the camera again for ‘Vaidyasala’, an Ayurveda-based show, and ‘Veedu’ on Manorama News.
And acting happened in between?
Yes (laughs). That was unexpected. My anchoring stints got me noticed and my first movie was Kadaksham . Then I did a handful of movies such as Left Right Left, 3 Dots, and Njaan Samvidhanam Cheyyum , among others. I have just finished shoot of Rakshadhikari Baiju Oppu , which has Biju Menon in the lead. Kadal Kuthiraigal , my Tamil movie will release soon.
So what is your ambition?
I have been trying to answer the same for long. Once upon a time I wanted to become a journalist. But when that didn’t happen, social work was the next option. I have been a teacher for some time. Later when I started anchoring and acting, I enjoyed that thoroughly. I did modelling as well and one of the best moments was acting in a television advertisement directed by Rajiv Menon. I don’t know about my goal, but right now I am enjoying the journey.
What are the preparations for ‘Selfie’?
‘Selfie’ will be a new experience for me. We have zeroed in on a few topics. I make it a point to be thorough on the subjects being discussed. I would ensure that I won’t take sides as an anchor.
(‘Selfie’ will be aired on weekends at 8 p.m. on Kairali TV)
